New Maschine 2 Hardware And Software Announced By Native Instruments

Pro Tools Expert were invited to a secret meeting in London a week ago by Native Instruments, little did we expect them to show us Maschine 2, with new versions of hardware and software. This new version really raises the bar and for us looks like a modern rendering of the beloved MPC, which does beg the question, why didn’t AKAI do this? Rest assured we will have a full review to you as soon as we can.

In their press information they write:

Native Instruments today announced MASCHINE STUDIO and MASCHINE 2.0 – the new flagship groove production studio and next generation of MASCHINE software. Considerably bigger than the original hardware, MASCHINE STUDIO provides expanded tactile control and new hi-resolution color displays, setting a new precedent in intuitive, hands- on, computer-based beat production. As with the acclaimed MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO, MASCHINE STUDIO is an integrated solution combining the latest software technology with a hardware-based workflow. MASCHINE 2.0 features a host of enhancements – including a new mixer page and dynamic drum synth plug-ins – designed to deliver more power and speed to all three MASCHINE production studios. MASCHINE STUDIO will be available at the NI Online Shop starting November 1, 2013. MASCHINE 2.0 is included with MASCHINE STUDIO and all MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO products shipping on or after November 1, 2013.

Providing complete hardware control over virtually all software functions, MASCHINE STUDIO’s workflow is centered on 16 highly-responsive multi- color backlit pads, a new Edit Section with jog wheel, a Level Section and two hi-resolution color displays – a major hardware advancement. The displays enable producers to focus on MASCHINE’s hardware workflow, providing detailed visual feedback of the software’s powerful features. When editing samples or working in MASCHINE’s clip-based pattern sequencer, the displays show an overview of the full selection on the left screen while the right screen allows for detailed fine-tuning when slicing, editing, and composing. When browsing, the displays provide easy navigation and selection of projects, groups, sounds, instruments, effects, and samples with KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects product icons visible directly from the hardware.

A new Edit Section provides dedicated buttons and a jog wheel with LED indicators for visual feedback and enhanced functionality. The jog wheel allows quick adjustments to volume, tempo, and swing settings, and speeds up browsing and editing. The Level Section provides a convenient volume knob and a multi-purpose meter display for master, group, sound, and cue levels plus monitoring for up to four selectable input sources when a multi- channel audio interface is connected. Dedicated control buttons allow fast switching between MASCHINE STUDIO’s sampler, arranger, mixer, and browser, and provide direct access to channel settings and an all-new plug-in strip. For producers already using external equipment, one MIDI input and three MIDI outputs allow MASCHINE STUDIO to function as a command hub, controlling all equipment from one comprehensive controller. On the underside of the unit, a highly sturdy, built-in collapsible stand provides the optimal angle for working with MASCHINE STUDIO.

MASCHINE 2.0 presents a major revision of Native Instruments’ groove production software, delivering a host of powerful features to MASCHINE STUDIO, and both generations of MASCHINE, and MASCHINE MIKRO. A tag-based attribute browser makes samples and presets easy to find while the new plug-in strip make MASCHINE’s internal plug-ins much more accessible by displaying their individual user interfaces instead of generic buttons and knobs. A brand-new, dedicated mixer page provides detailed level adjustment and flexible routing of MASCHINE 2.0’s aux sends, plug-ins, and unlimited groups and insert effects. A new audio engine with multi-core technology adds sidechaining and allows higher instrument, effect, and plug-in counts, faster load times and more. High-quality 32-bit float internal summing delivers the latest advancements in professional sound quality.

Also new and exclusive to MASCHINE 2.0 are five drum synth plug-ins meticulously developed with Native Instruments’ years of experience in software synthesis. Each instrument caters to a specific drum type, and delivers an easy-to-use interface. The plug-ins are capable of a wide range of sounds – from crisp and digital, to warm and analog, featuring accurate acoustic-sounding drums. Because they are based on synthesis, producers have a refined level of control over the sound of each drum. Not only are these plug-ins fully-adjustable and automatable directly from the MASCHINE hardware, they now add a signature sound aesthetic to the world of MASCHINE.

In addition to hosting any VST or Audio Units plug-in, MASCHINE 2.0 comes with an 8+ GB sound library of professional, production-ready sounds. Also included are full versions of Native Instrument’s acclaimed MASSIVE synthesizer, the unique synthesizer for percussive and mallet sounds PRISM, the powerful compressor SOLID BUS COMP, and the meticulously sampled vintage electric piano SCARBEE MARK I, providing a versatile setup ready for any production task. MASCHINE can be used as a standalone on either MAC or PC systems, but also loads as a VST, Audio Units or AAX plug-in in all major DAWs for seamless integration with existing production environments. MASCHINE 2.0 software features batch export of full songs, groups, and single sounds in lossless WAV or AIFF formats in up to 32- bit/192kHz quality. Import of older MASCHINE projects, iMASCHINE projects, REX files, and MPC programs is also fully supported.

Pricing and availability

MASCHINE STUDIO is available for purchase at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop from November 1, 2013 for $999 / 999 € / ¥ 104,800. MASCHINE 2.0 is included with MASCHINE STUDIO and all MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO products shipping on or after November 1, 2013. Current MASCHINE users can purchase MASCHINE 2.0 on the NI Online Shop from November 1, 2013 for $99 / 99 € / ¥ 9,800. Customers who purchase MASCHINE or MASCHINE MIKRO between October 1, 2013 and November 1, 2013 will receive MASCHINE 1.8 with purchase and a free download for MASCHINE 2.0. They will be able to download the new software on November 1, 2013.